Replica of 17th century galleon arrives in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - A replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon docked at the South Harbor in Manila yesterday.

Manning the 51-meter Andalucia is an all-Spanish crew of 28 men and women.

The vessel is open for public viewing from Oct. 7 to 9.

Spanish Ambassador Luis Arias-Romero, who hosted a reception on board the ship last night, said the galleon sailed to Manila from the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, where the ship has been on exhibit since the opening of the expo on May 1.

Made entirely of treated pine and iroco wood, and using wind power alternately with a modern engine, it took the ship three days to sail from Shanghai to Taiwan, another three days to Hong Kong, and six days to Manila through the South China Sea.

It took a year to finish the galleon in southern Spain before it was brought to Sevilla.

The Dia del Galeon Festival will focus on the journey of the galleons and their impact on world trade.

It would also mirror the three United Nations concerns for 2010: Protection of biodiversity as impacted by climate change, the advancement of seafaring concerns, and cultural rapprochement.

Between the 15th and 18th centuries, the Spanish galleons sailed from Manila to Acapulco in Mexico and back, trading silk and other Chinese merchandise with goods from Spain and other European countries.

Through the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade, the Philippines was able to export commodities to other countries for over 250 years and strengthened ties with the rest of Asia, Europe, North and South America.

Speaking at the arrival ceremonies, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim said: “Today we want to remember, most of all, the rich cultural exchanges between the countries involved in this first Trans-Pacific trade. Historians say that the galleon trade made significant changes in the cultural life of four continents.”

The Philippines traded agricultural products and in return Filipinos received textile, chocolates, jars, spices, sugar and coffee.

Lim said the Filipino ancestors made contributions to improving the galleons.

He handed a symbolic key to the city to the president of Nao Fundacion Victoria, owner of the Andalucia.

The galleon replica uses ancient seafaring techniques, relying mainly on stars, wind, compass and skills, with very little dependence on modern technology.

When it safely arrived at port, the Andalucia fired its canon three times to welcome visitors.

In return, the ship’s officers and crew were treated to songs and dances from different countries like South Korea, Nepal, Mexico, and the Philippines.

The Andalucia came from Spain, with a stopover in Hong Kong before proceeding to Manila.

After a four-day stay in Manila, Andalucia skipper Gonzalo de la Cruz said they would stay in Cebu for four days, then in Bohol for 10 days, where they hope to have time for some rest and recreation before returning to Spain.